Recent Blog Posts

 Posted on September 10, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

In August 2025, a Hanford Police Department motorcycle officer was airlifted to the hospital after being seriously hurt in a traffic crash while responding to a call. Though he is expected to recover, his injuries left him unable to work. In situations like this, California’s 4850 benefits program offers more to injured police officers than standard workers’ compensation payments.

One of the most important of these benefits helps ensure financial stability during recovery. If you are a law enforcement officer hurt while on duty, our San Benito County, CA workers’ compensation lawyers can help you understand these benefits and will work with you to ensure you get the support you need.

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 Posted on September 03, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Hearing loss can creep up slowly or strike suddenly after a loud incident at work. Many California employees — especially those in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries — suffer from work-related hearing impairment.

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to cover medical treatment and wage loss if your job caused or worsened your condition. By understanding how these claims work, you can take the right steps to protect your health and future. An experienced Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the claims process to ensure you get the care and financial help you need. 

Common Workplace Causes of Hearing Loss in California

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illnesses. Repeated exposure to machinery, power tools, or heavy equipment can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear. Under California Labor Code § 6400, California’s labor regulations require employers to implement safety measures, including hearing protection, when noise levels exceed certain thresholds.

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 Posted on August 30, 2025 in Denied Claims and Appeals

If you were hurt on the job and your workers’ compensation claim was denied, you may feel frustrated and unsure of what to do next. Thankfully, California law provides clear steps for challenging the denial and fighting for the benefits you need. With the right approach and the help of a Hollister, CA workers’ compensation attorney, you can appeal the decision and keep your case moving forward.

Understanding Why Your Workers’ Comp Claim Was Denied

Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons, some valid and others questionable. A denial might happen if your employer argues that your injury was not work-related or if your medical records do not support your version of events. Sometimes, a claim is rejected simply because the paperwork was incomplete or you missed a deadline.

California law also sets strict requirements for filing claims. For example, under Labor Code § 5401, an injured worker must notify their employer about their injury using a claim form, known as a DWC-1. If this notice is late or missing, it can give the insurance company grounds for denying benefits.

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 Posted on August 22, 2025 in Workplace Injuries

In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, California offers the Return-to-Work Supplement Program (RTWSP), which provides a single $5,000 payment to certain injured workers after a job-related injury. The goal is to help close income gaps when permanent limits make it hard to return to the same work. A Santa Clara County, CA workers' compensation attorney can help you confirm eligibility, gather the right documents, and submit a timely, complete application.

Understanding the Return-to-Work Supplement Program in California

The RTWSP works alongside your regular workers’ compensation benefits. It is a separate payment designed to support your transition back to steady employment. The program is regulated under 8 CCR § 17300 under the control of the Director of Industrial Relations. 

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 Posted on August 14, 2025 in Workplace Injuries

Workers' compensation in California is designed to assist employees who are injured while doing their job. This can include injuries that develop over time, such as repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). If you have developed a repetitive stress injury, you need to understand your rights and how to pursue a claim. A Hollister, CA workers’ compensation attorney can help you through the process and ensure that your claim is strong.

What Qualifies as a Repetitive Stress Injury Under California Workers’ Comp Law?

A repetitive stress injury, also known as a repetitive motion injury, develops due to repeated movements or strain over time. Common examples of RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis. These conditions are often caused by long-term repetitive motions, like typing, lifting, or assembly line work.

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 Posted on August 04, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Not all job-related injuries are physical. For some California workers, the risk of emotional and mental harm can be just as serious. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one example of a mental health condition that can result from workplace trauma. 

If you are experiencing symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or depression because of something that happened on the job, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits to help you financially as you work on recovery. A Santa Clara County, CA workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and what benefits may be available.

How Can You Get PTSD on the Job in California?

PTSD is a mental health disorder that often develops after a person goes through a traumatic or life-threatening experience. In the workplace, trauma can take many forms. It may come from a single shocking event, such as a robbery, violent attack, serious accident, or being threatened by a coworker or customer. For others, PTSD can build up over time through repeated stress or disturbing experiences.

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 Posted on July 31, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Commercial truck drivers face unique risks every day on California’s highways. From long hours to hazardous road conditions, the chances of being involved in a crash while on the job run high. If you are a truck driver injured in an accident while working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, your eligibility depends on several factors. An experienced Hollister, CA workers' compensation attorney can help you understand those factors and your rights.

California Workers’ Compensation for Commercial Truck Drivers

Under California Labor Code § 3700, any employer with one or more employees must provide workers' compensation coverage. For a truck driver, this means that if you are classified as an employee, and you are hurt in a crash while on the job, you have a legal right to file a claim. This coverage helps pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and disability benefits when an employee is injured while performing work-related duties.

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 Posted on July 22, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

If you suffered a work-related injury that led to a permanent impairment, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits through California’s workers’ compensation system. These benefits are designed to compensate you for the lasting impact the injury has on your ability to work. The key factor in determining the amount you receive is your permanent disability rating. If you have questions about your eligibility for benefits, a Morgan Hill, CA workers’ compensation attorney can help.

What Is a Permanent Disability Rating for a California Workers’ Compensation Claim?

A permanent disability rating is a percentage that represents how much your injury limits your ability to earn a living. This rating applies once your condition has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), which is the point where your condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve with further treatment.

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 Posted on July 11, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation benefits in California can cover respiratory and other occupational conditions if they are caused by work. However, proving the connection between your illness and your job can be challenging. A Hollister, CA workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through filing a claim.

Common Respiratory Conditions in the Workplace

Workers in many industries face health risks from breathing in harmful substances. Some respiratory conditions often connected to workplace exposure in California include:

• Occupational asthma: Asthma can start or worsen because of repeated on-the-job exposure to irritants or allergens, such as dust or chemical fumes.

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 Posted on July 04, 2025 in Denied Claims and Appeals

Receiving a denial for a workers’ compensation claim can feel defeating. However, there are common reasons that these claims are denied, and an experienced Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation attorney can help you fight an unfair judgment. The first step is to understand why your claim was not accepted. More often than not, there is an obvious solution.

Common Reasons for Workers’ Compensation Claim Denials in California

The most common reasons for workers’ compensation claim denial in California are related to issues addressed under state labor laws:

• Lack of medical evidence: If your medical records do not clearly connect your injury to your work duties, your claim may be denied.

• Injury not reported on time: Injured workers must notify their employer within 30 days of the injury, according to Labor Code § 5400.

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